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Six candidates present priorities at Penfield Central School District forum ahead of May 20 vote
Summary
Six candidates for three Penfield Central School District Board of Education seats outlined positions on academics, transparency, budget and safety during a public forum moderated by the Monroe County School Boards Association; the district's budget vote and election are May 20, 6 a.m.-9 p.m. at Penfield High School West Gym.
A meet-the-candidates forum for the Penfield Central School District on the evening of May 20 brought six candidates before residents to discuss academics, transparency, the district budget and safety ahead of the district's budget vote and school board election.
Lynn Scott, the district clerk, opened the forum and announced logistics for the May 20 vote and election, and Amy Thomas, executive director of the Monroe County School Boards Association, moderated the event and said questions were submitted by community members and grouped for time. "This year the annual Penfield Central School District budget vote and school board election will be held on Tuesday May 20 from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Penfield High School West Gym, 25 High School Drive," Thomas said.
The six candidates, listed in ballot order by Thomas, were Dr. Sarah Pace, Dr. Emily Roberts, James Ashby, Nate Chienenko, Dr. Scott Wilson and Susan Gilbert Collins. Each delivered a two-minute opening statement and answered moderated questions about district priorities. Topics raised repeatedly included the district budget and teacher compensation, equitable grading practices, access to extracurriculars, pandemic-related learning and recent security measures at district events.
Candidates described a range of backgrounds. Pace identified herself as a parent and business owner and emphasized fiscal responsibility and a re-evaluation of the district's equitable grading practices. Roberts, a current board member and teacher with three years of board service, emphasized student-centered decision-making and continuity of board work. Ashby, a parent and community advocate, focused on restoring academic reputation and improving communication. Chienenko, a strategy consultant, emphasized budgeting and access to extracurriculars. Dr. Scott Wilson described himself as a physician and parent focused on teacher support and the whole child. Collins said her background includes teaching English as a second language, writing and test-item development.
The forum concluded with two-minute closing remarks in reverse ballot order and a final reminder from Thomas about the May 20 vote. "Thank you so much for watching and have a great night," she said.
The event was presented for community information; no votes or board actions were taken at the forum.
Ending: Voters in the Penfield Central School District will decide three board seats and the district budget at the May 20 vote at Penfield High School West Gym.
